SCUM OF THE EARTH

BRASS plaques which were stolen from a memorial garden at a Mirfield church have been found at a scrap dealers.

The 169 plaques were taken from the Garden of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church overnight last Friday.

But on Wednesday Ossett scrap metal firm Eric France and Son called police to say the plaques had been taken to its yard.

But the plaques are not in a fit state to put up again, meaning people will still have to replace them. Janette Green, 64, of Mirfield, had her mother and father’s plaques stolen. She said: “The people who would stoop so low as to go to the church and take those plaques are the scum of the earth.”

The Rev Hugh Baker said: “I was shocked by the theft, and that was the word that seemed to be coming from everyone that heard anything about it.”

Police thought the thieves took the plaques because they were old and made from purer metal than newer memorial plaques.

Two men have been arrested in connection and both have been released on bail. Contact police on 0845 6060606.